Census data are available for two sets of geography. Firstly, data are available for Australian Standard Geographical Classification areas. This is the standard geographical classification used for disseminating ABS statistical data. The ASGC facilitates the standardisation of terminology and comparability of data. During Population Census years the smallest spatial unit is the Collection District. The Collection District is the common denominator which integrates all structures of the classification in a census year.

Census data are also available for other geographical areas created specifically for census output. All but one structure of the Census Geographic Areas uses the Collection District as a basic building block. The exception is the Journey to Work Study Areas and Destination Zones structure.

The ASGC areas used for the Census are:

Collection District

Statistical Local Area

Local Government Area

Statistical Subdivision

Statistical Division

Statistical District

Statistical Region Sector

Statistical Region

Major Statistical Region

Urban Centre/Locality

Section of State

Remoteness Areas (new for the 2001 Census)

State/Territory

Census Geographic Areas:

Indigenous Location

Indigenous Area

ATSIC Region

State Electoral Division

Commonwealth Electoral Division

Suburb

Postal Area

Destination Zone

Journey to Work Study Area

The diagram over page shows the structures of the ASGC and the Census Geographic Areas for the 2001 Census. The Collection District is at the bottom of the structure and Australia is at the top. Some structures cover the whole of Australia and others cover only part. Areas at each level are aggregated to create the level above. One example is the ASGC Main Structure where the: